Negligence Regarding UPI IDs Can Prove Costly; Your Account Funds Could Vanish in the Blink of an Eye

Old UPI ID Risk: If you create a new UPI ID without first deactivating your old one, it could be dangerous. An old, active UPI ID can serve as a gateway for unauthorized access to your bank account.

Old UPI ID Risk: Online transactions have surged rapidly across the country, with UPI payments accounting for the largest share. From roadside fruit vendors to major retail outlets, people everywhere are conducting transactions via UPI. Indeed, using UPI is generally considered both simple and secure. However, negligence can sometimes come at a high price. Many people create a new UPI ID without deactivating their previous one. Doing so can be risky, and the money stored in your account could vanish in an instant. Today, we explain just how dangerous it can be to create a new UPI ID without properly closing the old one.

Deactivating an Old UPI ID is Essential

Many people create a new UPI ID when they switch phones or for other reasons. Many also mistakenly believe that deleting the app from their phone automatically deletes their UPI ID as well. Consequently, they install a new payment app and begin using a new ID. They are unaware that simply deleting the app or replacing their phone does not delete the associated UPI ID. Even if you uninstall the app, everything—including your UPI ID, linked bank accounts, UPI Lite settings, and auto-pay mandates—remains active. You must access the app interface specifically to delete or deactivate these features.

Funds Could Vanish in Moments

If your UPI ID is linked to a mobile number that has since become inactive, it could lead to significant financial loss. This is because telecom companies typically reassign inactive mobile numbers to new users after a certain period. If your UPI ID remains linked to such a number, notifications and alerts related to your account could begin reaching the new holder of that mobile number. If that number falls into the hands of a scammer, they could execute a “SIM swap” attack to gain unauthorized access to your bank account. Once access is compromised, your funds will no longer be secure.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

If you are deleting the app or replacing your phone, ensure you delete your UPI ID first. Before doing so, unlink your bank account and cancel any active payment mandates.
In the event that you change your mobile number, make sure to update your new number with your bank.
If you do not recall all your UPI IDs, check the NPCI website; you will be able to view all the IDs linked to your mobile number there. This can also be done through your banking app.